Incident: Baby Monitor Hacked: Intruder Screams at Child, Parents Feel Violated

Published Date: 2014-04-28

Postmortem Analysis
Timeline 1. The software failure incident of the baby monitor being hacked happened in April 2014. [Article 25755]
System 1. Foscam IP Camera [25755]
Responsible Organization 1. The hacker who infiltrated the Foscam IP Camera system and compromised the baby monitor [Article 25755].
Impacted Organization 1. The Ohio couple, Heather and Adam Schreck, who were the parents of the 10-month-old baby girl targeted by the hacker [Article 25755].
Software Causes 1. The software cause of the failure incident was the vulnerability in the firmware of the Foscam IP Camera, which allowed the hacker to compromise the device and gain unauthorized access to the baby monitor system [25755].
Non-software Causes 1. Lack of awareness about firmware vulnerabilities and updates by the users [25755]
Impacts 1. The Ohio couple felt violated and disturbed after realizing a hacker had hijacked their daughter's baby monitor, leading to a breach of privacy and security concerns [25755]. 2. The incident caused fear and panic as the hacker was able to remotely control the camera, move it erratically, and scream at the baby, creating a terrifying experience for the family [25755]. 3. The software failure incident highlighted the vulnerability of internet-connected devices in households, emphasizing the potential risks of cyber intrusions and the need for enhanced security measures [25755]. 4. The family had to take immediate actions to upgrade the software on their baby monitor, change passwords, and stay vigilant about firmware updates to prevent future unauthorized access [25755].
Preventions 1. Regularly updating the software and firmware of the Foscam IP Camera could have prevented the software failure incident [25755]. 2. Changing the default passwords on the Wi-Fi network and the camera itself could have enhanced security and potentially prevented unauthorized access [25755]. 3. Implementing unique and strong passwords for the Wi-Fi network and the camera could have made it harder for hackers to gain access [25755]. 4. Being aware of known vulnerabilities in the camera and promptly applying updates released by the manufacturer could have mitigated the risk of hacking incidents [25755].
Fixes 1. Changing the password on the Wi-Fi network and the camera itself, ensuring they are different [25755]. 2. Upgrading the software on the baby monitor [25755]. 3. Regularly checking the manufacturer's website for updates and downloading them to address vulnerabilities [25755].
References 1. Interviews with the Ohio couple, Heather and Adam Schreck [Article 25755] 2. Statements from Heather and Adam Schreck about the incident and their actions taken afterwards [Article 25755] 3. Expert opinion from Dave Hatter, a solutions expert for Infinity Partners, regarding the potential risks and advice on cybersecurity measures [Article 25755]

Software Taxonomy of Faults

Category Option Rationale
Recurring multiple_organization (a) The software failure incident of the baby monitor being hacked is not specifically mentioned to have happened again within the same organization or with its products and services. The focus of the article is on the incident experienced by the Ohio couple with their Foscam IP Camera baby monitor. (b) The article mentions that such camera hacks have been common on computer and laptop webcams, indicating that similar incidents have occurred with other devices. IT experts highlighted that internet-connected devices in households can provide an easy way for online intruders to access homes. Additionally, the article provides advice from a solutions expert on changing passwords for Wi-Fi and devices to prevent such intrusions [25755].
Phase (Design/Operation) design, operation (a) The software failure incident in the article can be attributed to the design phase. The incident occurred due to the baby monitor's vulnerability to being hacked from outside, allowing an online intruder to access the camera and scream at the child. This vulnerability was a result of the design and implementation of the Foscam IP Camera, which synced with cellphones but lacked adequate security measures to prevent unauthorized access [25755]. (b) Additionally, the software failure incident can also be linked to the operation phase. The incident was exacerbated by the fact that the parents were unaware of the firmware vulnerability in the camera and had not updated it with the available patch. This lack of awareness and failure to properly operate and maintain the system by not regularly checking for updates contributed to the successful intrusion by the hacker [25755].
Boundary (Internal/External) within_system, outside_system (a) within_system: The software failure incident in this case was primarily within the system. The failure occurred due to the baby monitor's Foscam IP Camera being compromised by an online intruder who hacked into the device from outside [25755]. The camera, which was meant to stream footage to the parents' cellphones for monitoring their child, was manipulated by the hacker to move erratically and even scream at the baby, causing distress to the family. The incident highlights a vulnerability within the system itself, where the camera's firmware had a known vulnerability that the parents were unaware of until after the intrusion. The failure was a result of the camera's security being breached by an external attacker.
Nature (Human/Non-human) non-human_actions, human_actions (a) The software failure incident in this case was primarily due to non-human actions. The incident involved a hacker remotely accessing and taking control of the Foscam IP Camera in the baby's room without the knowledge or involvement of the parents [25755]. (b) However, human actions also played a role in the incident. The parents, Adam and Heather Schreck, mentioned that they were unaware of the firmware vulnerability in the camera and had not updated it with the available patch. Additionally, the advice given by IT experts highlighted the importance of changing passwords and regularly updating software to prevent such intrusions, indicating the significance of human actions in preventing such software failures [25755].
Dimension (Hardware/Software) hardware, software (a) The software failure incident in the article was primarily due to hardware issues. The incident involved a hacker gaining unauthorized access to a Foscam IP Camera that was set up in the baby's room. The camera was compromised by an online intruder who was able to control its movements and even speak through it, causing distress to the family [25755]. (b) The software failure incident also had a software component to it. The Foscam IP Camera used by the family had a known firmware vulnerability that the manufacturer had released an update to correct. However, the family was unaware of this update, highlighting a software flaw in the camera's firmware that could have potentially been exploited by hackers [25755].
Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) malicious (a) The software failure incident in this case was malicious. The incident involved a hacker who intentionally hijacked the wireless baby monitor in the Ohio couple's daughter's room and was watching the little girl sleep. The hacker not only moved the camera erratically but also screamed at the baby, trying to wake her up by yelling "Wake up baby" and other obscenities. The couple felt violated by the intrusion and had to unplug the camera to stop the hacker's actions. IT experts mentioned that such hacks can be used by sophisticated hackers to gain access to the network and potentially steal information or launch malicious attacks [25755]. (b) The incident was non-malicious in the sense that the Ohio couple did not intentionally introduce any factors that led to the hacking of their baby monitor. They were unaware that such a breach was possible and had not taken necessary precautions like changing passwords and updating the firmware of the device. The couple later upgraded the software on their baby monitor, changed passwords, and were advised to regularly check for updates from the manufacturer to prevent future breaches [25755].
Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) unknown (a) The intent of the software failure incident related to poor_decisions: The software failure incident in this case was not directly caused by poor decisions but rather by the malicious intent of a hacker who compromised the Foscam IP Camera in the baby's room. The hacker's actions of screaming at the baby and the parents through the camera indicate a deliberate intrusion with the intent to cause fear and distress rather than a failure resulting from poor decisions made by the users or manufacturers of the device [25755]. (b) The intent of the software failure incident related to accidental_decisions: The software failure incident was not accidental but rather a deliberate act of hacking by an unknown individual. The incident involved unauthorized access to the baby monitor camera, with the hacker intentionally screaming at the baby and the parents. This was not a result of accidental decisions but a deliberate intrusion into the privacy of the family [25755].
Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) accidental (a) The software failure incident in the article was not directly attributed to development incompetence. The incident was primarily caused by a hacker who gained unauthorized access to the Foscam IP Camera in the baby's room, allowing them to watch and interact with the child [25755]. (b) The software failure incident in the article was accidental in nature. The Ohio couple experienced a chilling intrusion when a hacker hijacked their daughter's baby monitor, leading to the unauthorized access and control of the camera in the child's room. The parents felt violated and shocked by the incident, highlighting the accidental nature of the failure [25755].
Duration temporary (a) The software failure incident in the article appears to be temporary. The incident involved a hacker gaining unauthorized access to the Foscam IP Camera in the baby's room, causing the camera to move erratically and the hacker to scream at the baby through the monitor. The Schrecks were able to unplug the camera and take actions to secure their device, such as upgrading the software on their baby monitor and changing passwords [25755].
Behaviour crash, omission, value, other (a) crash: The software failure incident in the article can be categorized as a crash. The baby monitor's camera was hijacked by a hacker, causing it to move erratically and display inappropriate behavior, ultimately leading to the father having to unplug the camera to stop the intrusion [25755]. (b) omission: The software failure incident can also be categorized as an omission. The baby monitor failed to perform its intended function of monitoring the baby's room without interference, as it was compromised by an external hacker who intruded into the system and started yelling at the baby [25755]. (c) timing: The timing of the software failure incident is not explicitly mentioned in the article. The focus is more on the intrusion and inappropriate behavior exhibited by the hacker through the compromised baby monitor [25755]. (d) value: The software failure incident can be categorized as a failure in value. The hacker's actions of screaming and yelling at the baby through the baby monitor were incorrect and not aligned with the intended purpose of the device, causing distress to the family [25755]. (e) byzantine: The software failure incident does not exhibit characteristics of a byzantine failure. The intrusion by the hacker and the subsequent inappropriate behavior can be attributed to a malicious external attack rather than internal inconsistencies within the system [25755]. (f) other: The other behavior exhibited in this software failure incident is unauthorized access and control. The hacker gained unauthorized access to the baby monitor system, took control of the camera, and used it to interact with the family in a disturbing manner, showcasing a serious breach of privacy and security [25755].

IoT System Layer

Layer Option Rationale
Perception None None
Communication None None
Application None None

Other Details

Category Option Rationale
Consequence property, non-human, theoretical_consequence, other (a) death: There were no reports of people losing their lives due to the software failure incident [25755]. (b) harm: While there were no reports of physical harm to individuals due to the software failure incident, the incident did cause emotional distress and a feeling of violation for the family involved [25755]. (c) basic: There were no reports of people's access to food or shelter being impacted due to the software failure incident [25755]. (d) property: The software failure incident resulted in the compromise of the Foscam IP Camera in the room, which is a material possession of the family involved [25755]. (e) delay: There were no reports of people having to postpone an activity due to the software failure incident [25755]. (f) non-human: The non-human entity impacted due to the software failure incident was the Foscam IP Camera, which was hacked and compromised by an online intruder [25755]. (g) no_consequence: The software failure incident did have real observed consequences, such as emotional distress and a feeling of violation for the family involved [25755]. (h) theoretical_consequence: There were potential consequences discussed, such as the possibility of more sophisticated hackers using the compromised camera as a way to access the network and potentially steal information or launch malicious attacks [25755]. (i) other: The software failure incident also led to the family upgrading the software on their baby monitor, changing passwords, and being advised to regularly check for updates to prevent future hacking incidents [25755].
Domain information (a) The failed system in this incident was related to the information industry as it involved a baby monitor camera that streams footage to a cellphone for parents to monitor their child [25755]. (b) N/A (c) N/A (d) N/A (e) N/A (f) N/A (g) N/A (h) N/A (i) N/A (j) N/A (k) N/A (l) N/A (m) N/A

Sources

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